When trying to make a change and push for healthy decisions and a healthy lifestyle, following through on those choices can be a daily battle. At the beginning of the day or the beginning of the week we feel motivated and positive, but as time goes on there are many obstacles and challenges that can derail us. The most common ways that we struggle can pop up at any time but with a little preparation and planning we can set ourselves up for success.
Between families, work, long days, busy schedules and social events, most of us would say that we usually feel tired during the week. We all know that mid afternoon slow down where we look for something to pick us up. But what does being tired have to do with weight loss? When we are slowing down we look for caffeine and sugar to give us a boost – which usually comes in the form of coffee, soda and snacks. It is possible to satisfy that afternoon craving while staying on plan but we usually crave something sugary, salty or fatty to fill us up. Make sure you have a healthy snack or plan that you can turn to when you reach a low. When we are tired we also feel unmotivated and vulnerable so we just want to eat whatever is quick and easy – even if it isn’t healthy – which is another reason to have a healthy plan that is easily accessible. Doing that little bit of planning and prep work when you have the time and energy will save you later when you are tired or in a rush. We all want to do the right thing, so make it easier for yourself to follow through.
In our daily lives we are constantly tempted to eat and drink things that we know aren’t healthy but sometimes when we are at a social event or special occasion we want to give in. Birthdays, parties, anniversaries, celebrations, holidays and other special events can happen any day of the year and even when we do our best to plan ahead they can still pop up unexpectedly. During any of these happy occasions we are faced with cake, drinks and special meals and treats and it’s up to you to decide if it’s really worth it to indulge. If you can plan ahead, you can always bring a healthy dish to a dinner or party, or you can look at a menu ahead of time to pick a healthy meal to order if you are going out. But sometimes plans are made last minute and we find ourselves in a tricky situation. We can feel like we don’t have control when this happens, but you always have the power to make the right choices. Take it slow and don’t just give in to a craving or indulgence because it is right in front of you. Take your time and think about what really matters to you – indulging in the moment or reaching a healthy goal.
Feeling like we don’t have options is a common reason why we sometimes make the wrong decisions. We think we are backed into a corner so we make a choice and then later we regret it. Sometimes we have to put in the extra effort to plan and prep to make sure we have the healthy options we need, or sometimes we just have to say no. Sometimes we want to tell ourselves that we didn’t have a choice but we always do. We have to own our decisions so we make sure they are right for us.
No one is perfect and we all struggle, but fighting through the ups and downs to reach a goal makes it that much more of a satisfying accomplishment.
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018
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